A new week and a new challenge for LAFC, but the same Denis Bouanga continues to perform as his two goals and an assist help the Black and Gold past the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first-leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals, 3-0.

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**After another fury of goals, Denis Bouanga has extended the lead for most goals in the CONCACAF Champions League by five total goals.** Photo Courtesy: LAFC

Road games = Home Games

Despite scoring a hat-trick in the first leg of the previous series against Alajuelense, this game was a way better performance for Denis Bouanga. He just seemed so much more comfortable and charismatic whenever he had the ball. The man was just having a fun stroll across the BC Place pitch, which led to the showcase of confidence that were displayed during both goals. The first; a skyrocket from about 30 yards from the goal, hitting crossbar and down; and the second; a goal that looked very similar to a backyard mess-around against your cousins at your family reunion five-a-side (the one where shoes, boxes, and anything else that can’t be used as goalposts). With the brace tonight, he has now scored five goals in two away games, which leads the CONCACAF Champions League Golden Boot race.

**The Starting XI, shown above, featured LAFC Captain Carlos Vela and someone who has been on a tear recently, Timothy Tillman, at midfield.** Photo Courtesy: LAFC

Imperfectly, Perfect

The three-nil win came with its ups-and-downs, including a poor first half. LAFC entered the locker room with about 65% possession of the ball and only two shots on target. The squad looked a bit sluggish, especially after a weary trip from Colorado in their previous matchup against the Rapids, fatigue did seem evident in this fixture against the Whitecaps. As for LAFC fans everywhere, a slow start to any game is nothing new from the Black and Gold. This has been a thing since the Bob Bradley era and I am not sure how Steve Cherundolo can fix this, but there is a positive out of this problem: LAFC are a second-half team, and this win against Vancouver has proven this timeless theory as all three goals were scored in the second half.

arbitro! dale Roja!

Soccer referees are one of the most hated officials in all of sports, but unfortunately, you need one in order to play a Champions League match (or any match in general). Our main official for this match would be Mexican referee, Fernando Ramirez. Now, the reason why I, a Mexican-American college student, is pointing out the fact that this referee is Mexican is not because I have anything against Mexicans or Mexican Referees; I only have things against referees in general (I grew up as a player, how can I not? LOL). The reason why I point out this is because of the reason behind his selection has everything to do with his nationality. Here’s why:

According to Fox Sports Broadcaster, John Strong, when competing in the CONCACAF Champions League, CONCACAF do not view CCL participants by their leagues, rather than their nationalities, meaning: LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps are not viewed as MLS Clubs in this tournament, but are viewed as clubs in their respective countries (i.e. LAFC as USA, Vancouver as Canada). Therefore, due to this perspective, it is under regulation that a referee(s) that does not have the same nationality as the corresponding clubs in the same fixture is selected as the referee(s) for the match.

That being said, that was the most Liga MX-looking CONCACAF Champions League match I have ever seen in my life. There were all kinds of fouls and handballs not being called, and I am very surprised we did not see a nonchalant red card from Ramirez, especially when he had a bark-fest with LAFC Defender, Chiqui Palacios. Just something to keep in mind as LAFC continue their international journey.

Stoppage Thought - Cifu vs Tillman

**Scoring two goals in his first five MLS matches, Timothy Tillman has made a name for himself in the Black and Gold’s team sheet.** Photo Courtesy: LAFC

After coming off the bench in the last three games, with not even tallying a single minute in tonight’s win, It has been pretty evident that LAFC Midfielder, Jose Cifuentes, has lost his starting position to newcomer German Midfielder, Timothy Tillman, who is coming off of two goals in the last five matches for the Black and Gold. It has been three consecutive games where Coach Cherundolo has put the midfield trio of Ilie Sanchez, Kellyn Acosta, and Timothy Tillman upon the team sheet.

There’s a MAJOR Pro and a semi-con to this situation:

1) Depth means Competition. Cifuentes, who has been receiving rumored nods from Europe, such as EPL Club, Brighton Hove & Albion, and more, is now facing a starting position battle with the new kid on the block, who has taken his starting spot - for now. Competition is a healthy thing and I believe this was the exact intention from General Manager, John Thorrington and staff, when they thought of bringing in Tillman because it will help bring out the best out of Cifuentes. It is without a doubt that Cifu can play well within this Black and Gold system, but how will he react when he sees that someone else can do it as well? I guess we shall wait and see.

2) The semi-con is simply that LAFC are preparing to move on from Cifuentes and are ready to ship him off to Europe for a substantial amount. Not the worst outcome, but I do not think it is the best, and again, we shall wait and see.

Personal Message - Where have you been, Jerry!?

**Personal news: Secured my LAFC Girl (IYKYK), excited to get back to writing again.** Photo Courtesy: Me

Whether you’ve missed me or not, I’ve missed covering and writing about this team we love so much. I have dealing with a lot as a student: lots of adjustments to the college life; job at a radio station that has been taking advantage of my work and skill for the past year; meeting the most beautiful LAFC girl in the planet at this no-good radio station job; and just perfecting/working in my journalistic craft within the shadows.

I have had the privilege to be a Sports Director for 22 West Radio, a radio station that lives in Cal State University - Long Beach. I had the opportunity to be the Play by Play voice for the University’s Women’s Soccer/Basketball and Men’s Baseball/Basketball teams for the past year, which game the chance to travel across the souther region of California to call these games from different Universities. I have grown a passion and love for commentary for every sport possible, and I only plan on furthering that passion some more.

Despite this, I have really missed my Black and Gold community. From the smell of the muddy grass at Xmas Tree Lane to the loud roars within the North End of the 3252, I miss you all. I’ve been fighting for these opportunities at jobs and pay so far to the point where I have forgotten why I began doing this in the first place. The Los Angeles Football Club and the 3252 are the reason why I write. For the passion!

Of course, I would love to work in sports one day, especially as a journalist, but I did not start this for work. I started it for the love of the game and for this club. Therefore, allow me to refurbish this love for the club by writing once more. Every article. Every sentence. Every word. Allow me to do it with passion and love going forward, for without love, I am bankrupt.

Thank you to all of my day one supporters, and to my possible new supporters, bare with me. It’s been a bit of a minute since I’ve done this correctly. Just have some fun, and Dale Black and Gold with me.

Cheers! and VAMOS LAFC!

~ Jerry Reynoso, Founder of the Los Angeles Saga - @reynosoreport